“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3)
I wrote last week about we, as Christians, shining our light as a group that will draw people to “the Light”, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). When we shine our lights, it will draw people to Jesus. If we proclaim to be followers of Jesus, people are watching us and many need our light.
I said last week that I got a vision of how our “light shining” might look. Say we’re in a dark room or on a dark path and we have our light but people near us are in darkness without a light. Our light is lighting on our path so we know the way to go but others may be lost. However, when they see our light and see we’re going in a certain direction, they may come over to follow us and our light to get out of the darkness. Or…if we notice someone wandering in their darkness, we can take our light to them and say, “Follow me and I’ll get us out of this darkness.” Both situations have us using our “Light” to help and direct someone else. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” That should be our goal, our mission, to light the way for others so God gets the glory.
However, there is another side to consider about our light. Some people will use their light to spotlight themselves and their own path. They will use their light, shining it on themselves, saying, “Look at me!” That is not what God wants us to use our light for. “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, (your light), for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16). So, let’s think about our light, keep it connected to the Power and help as many people as we can. “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14).
